'I've just seen a beauty in the woods.'
'What _do_ you mean, Anthony,' laughed mother. And father replied,--
'An angel on horseback, darling,' and told her not to blush. He came in
then, and saw me, and said,--
'Hallo, little 'un, what are you doing here?'
'I thought _I_ had to come, father, as I did it.'
'Oh--ah, yes, of course--I've got to give you the biggest thrashing
you've ever had in your life, haven't I?' And he sat down and pulled me
on his knee.
'Why did you do it, Meg? No, don't say it was your Irish grandmother'
(taking the very words out of my mouth) 'it was pure, unadulterated
devil, and mother doesn't feel that she can ever let you go out in the
woods again, and I don't think the boys will take the responsibility of
you any more, either.'
'Father!' I exclaimed, going cold all over.
'Well, you see, darling, it isn't the first time is it? There was that
wasps' nest, for instance. You know those boys do understand that sort
of thing. And unless you promise in future you will do exactly what
they tell you, I won't let you go, but shall keep you chained up in my
dressing-room. I really can't let my only daughter drown, I shouldn't
mind so much if I had dozens. Promise?'